Almost There: A Mom + Pups Rescue

BY JULIE COLEMAN

Backyard Beginnings

Almost There Rescue was founded in 2013 by Geri Hormel, who was fostering and volunteering for various rescue organizations throughout the Valley. She saw the greatest needs were space and time for nursing moms and puppies. Geri wanted to provide this and started with one litter in her backyard, which snowballed into a few and continued to grow and operate from an old home before moving to our current building a little more than two years ago. I got involved with the rescue in 2017 as a foster and volunteer. My involvement quickly grew because I saw such a large need and wanted to do whatever I could.

6:30

A.M. >> PUPPY PRIORITY

We have appointments at the rescue as early as 7 a.m., so I begin my day by checking my messages to make sure the dogs are back from their foster and made it to their spay or neuter appointments before I head outside with my dog, Coco. I recently moved close to the Phoenix Mountain Preserve, and I like to hike with her. Hiking is a way to clear my head and a nice start to my day. Coco is a big part of my life, and I like giving her as much attention as possible, especially on those long days at the rescue when she is home alone. I try to get all my administrative work done from home because once I am at the rescue, it’s all hands on deck, and I focus on the pressing issues there. Animal rescue is rarely linear, and I thrive in trying to modify the puzzle when the pieces don’t fit perfectly. My position is very creative, as every day is different and full of unique challenges that require innovative solutions.

8 A.M. >> A TEAM THAT WORKS FOR THE DOGS

I touch base with each of the eight department heads every day, as well as our animal care specialists, to find out what is happening with the dogs in their respective areas. Since the rescue is a maternity ward for dogs, we have two animal care specialists for the two different sides of our facility — a quarantine side and the well side. All dogs go through a two-week quarantine process when they come into our care because we have a susceptible population and are careful not to spread disease.

Our management team meets on a biweekly basis, and on the alternate week, we meet with each team member individually. But every day, I connect with the team informally, talking through things a person is going through at that moment. Sometimes these conversations happen on the fly, such as while we are walking to the med room talking through a medical case or in the kennel while working on behavior with a shy dog.

10:30

A.M. >> WHAT’S IN A NAME

We regularly coordinate intakes throughout Arizona, including the county shelters and rescue organizations near reservations. Processing intake is a significant task and includes several team members, because it involves vaccinating, giving the dog a bath, conducting behavior and medical evaluations and taking cute photos. We name every dog, and it can be difficult to name 14 dogs at the same time! We pick names by a theme to stay organized. There are a million themes out there, from TV shows and flowers to sandwiches and Disney characters. We’re always accepting ideas, so if anyone knows good theme names for dogs, we’re in the market!

12:30

P.M. >> KEEPING THE FAMILY TOGETHER

A big part of our work is stopping the cycle of people with dogs that have accidentally gotten pregnant. It’s overwhelming, and a lot of work for a person or family. We’re lucky to have the resources to take these dogs, help raise the puppies and get them all spayed or neutered. One of our new services is a maternity leave program that allows members of the public with an accidental litter to bring their dog to us. We take temporary ownership of the dog, give them medical care, raise the puppies until they’re weaned, get them spayed or neutered and then return the dog to the owner after it’s been spayed or neutered. Sometimes people don’t have the resources or the money to get their dogs spayed or neutered, and we want to be able to help. It feels good to stop the cycle.

2

P.M. >> A DOG HAS ITS DAY

I like to work from our front lobby because I can see what’s going on everywhere, and this is where most movement occurs. It is fun and rewarding to watch excited people come in, disappear into the adoption room and then leave with a new family member. It’s common for adoption appointments to take place on one day because a litter, ranging from three to 14 puppies, will become adoptable at the same time. We provide extensive counseling with potential adopters that includes a complete profile of the dog, so when adopters take them home, they understand who this dog was before they got them and can help them grow into the best dog they can be. We pride ourselves on our Puppy Preschool, a socialization and enrichment program, beginning from the time they come to us until they leave our care. We work with the puppies every day, exposing them to positive experiences — sight, sound, textures — helping them develop into well-rounded dogs that are adaptable, adoptable and fit well with their families.

6 P.M. >> WORKING YOUR TAIL OFF FOR A CAUSE

My workday does not end at the shelter. I come home and spend a few hours tying up loose ends, whether answering emails, fulfilling administrative promises I’ve made to my team or helping with anything pressing for that day before I wind down for the night. One of the things I do to relax is walk with Coco and hang out with her. The rescue doesn’t close until 9 p.m., so I continue to pay attention to what is happening. My job is 24/7, and this includes making sure everything gets closed and the dogs are well at the end of the night.

One thing I’ve learned over the past five-and-ahalf years is that it is easy to get caught up and feel like you’re not giving enough, because this is emotional, heart-wrenching work. We’re a small but mighty team with a passion for dogs and a desire to make a dent in the homeless dog population. We will work ourselves to the bone, so it’s important to me that my team understands that self-care is essential, and a separation is needed between work and play.

To learn more, go to almostthererescue.org.

Almost There Rescue

Almost There Rescue is a nonprofit that specializes in helping homeless pregnant and nursing dogs and puppies. While dogs are at the center of what ATR does, ATR is also about people. Volunteers, adopters, fosters, donors and partners make this important work possible. Together, we are accomplishing bigger things, elevating the greater community and saving more lives. Our vision for the future is bright!

Thank you, Wrigley Mansion, for sponsoring this listing and supporting Almost There Rescue’s mission: to save mama dogs and their pups, provide care and enrichment, and find loving, forever homes.

2611 E. Indian School Road

Phoenix, AZ 85016 call: (480) 336-9860 visit: almostthererescue.org

Arizona Humane Society

The Arizona Humane Society saves the most vulnerable animals and enriches the lives of pets and people. As the safety net for our community’s sick, injured and abused pets, AHS saves lives through some of the most innovative programs in the country: aggressive spay/neuter initiatives; comprehensive medical care in AHS’s trauma hospital and intensive care units; rescue and cruelty investigations by AHS’s Emergency Animal Medical Technicians™ and a Pet Resource Center that helps keep pets in loving homes. The life of every pet saved is the direct result of gifts from thousands of friends, partners and donors.

1521 W. Dobbins Road

Phoenix, AZ 85041 call: (602) 997-7585 visit: azhumane.org

GABRIEL’S ANGELS

Through the life-changing power of pet therapy, Gabriel’s Angels enhances the social and emotional development of vulnerable children. Our work is driven by a passionate belief that the unconditional love of a pet can heal a child. Pet therapy visits to vulnerable children in places like Title I schools, homeless shelters, group homes and behavioral health facilities have a positive impact on helping children heal. Therapy teams, consisting of an owner and their pet, offer unconditional love and teach empathy, respect, confidence and other core behaviors that children might not learn through traditional channels. Our services are free as a direct result of gifts from our donors and volunteers.

727 E. Bethany Home Road, Suite C-100

Phoenix, AZ 85014 call: (602) 266-0875 visit: gabrielsangels.org

Hospice Of The Valley

Hospice of the Valley’s pet therapy teams bring joy to everyone they meet. As soon as they walk into a room, our patients and families feel better. There is something very comforting about the unconditional love that pets freely give — not to mention all of the precious cuddles, tail wags and wet kisses! Our cheerful teams visit our patients in homes, group homes, independent and assisted living communities, inpatient care homes, nursing facilities, trade shows and expos. Suitable pets include dogs, cats, bunnies and miniature horses with a current pet therapy certification.

1510 E. Flower St. Phoenix, AZ 85014 call: (602) 636-6336 visit: hov.org/volunteer/pet-therapy

Liberty Wildlife

A 42-year-old volunteer-driven wildlife rescue and rehabilitation organization with a national impact, Liberty Wildlife extends our expertise with native wildlife beyond furry animals to feathered and scaled species. We strive to provide high-quality environmental education, conservation projects for the community, expert medical rehabilitation of ill and injured wildlife, and demonstrate best sustainability practices — preventing human-wildlife conflict, promoting appreciation of nature, and preserving Native American and Southwest cultural heritage. Ongoing activities support this mission and also provide a beautiful setting for hosting personal and corporate events.

2600 E. Elwood St. Phoenix, AZ 85040 call: (480) 998-5550 visit: libertywildlife.org

Pacc911

PACC911 brings together more than 100 animal welfare organizations throughout Arizona to create a potent animal rescue community that works together under a unified umbrella. We provide education, adopt-a-thons and medical assistance to our rescue partners for animals they rescue that are sick, injured or neglected. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube: @bari pacc911.org. Please save the date for our signature fundraising event, “Glimmer of Hope,” on Nov. 12, 2023, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at JW Marriott Camelback Inn. Contact us via email with any questions.

10645 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 200-516

Phoenix, AZ 85028 email: info@pacc911.org visit: pacc911.org

Pawsitive Friendships

Pawsitive Friendships was founded in 2014 by Tosha Tharp-Gaitanis, the mother of a son with autism. She discovered that she increased his progress by incorporating her French bulldog, Zoe, into her son’s therapy. This model became the inspiration for our organization. Our mission is to assist individuals with special needs who are not adequately progressing toward their goals by providing animal-assisted therapy. Our programs work with local special education schools, pediatric clinics and adult day programs. Contact us to learn how your dog, cat, pig, mini horse, alpaca, bird, reptile and more can make a pawsitive impact.

3317 S. Higley Road, Suite 114-778

Gilbert, AZ 85297 call: (480) 353-7833 visit: pawsitivefriendships.org

Power Paws Assistance Dogs

Our mission is to provide highly skilled assistance dogs to people with disabilities, education and continuing support for working assistance dog teams, and to be a resource in the community for people with disabilities. We provide service dogs for disabled children or adults with physical challenges, Type I diabetes, PTSD or facilities serving sexual or domestic abuse survivors. Our community outreach includes summer camp or reading programs for kids and social engagement visits with seniors/ veterans. Power Paws is one of three agencies in Arizona accredited by Assistance Dogs International to place dogs in specialized areas.

8250 E. Rose Lane

Scottsdale, AZ 85250 call: (480) 970-1322 visit: azpowerpaws.org

Salt River Wild Horse Management Group

The Salt River Wild Horse Management Group is an Arizona-based nonprofit dedicated to monitoring, studying and protecting the Salt River wild horses. Our goal is and always has been freedom, protection and humane management of this treasured historic and recreational resource. We have had a steady daily presence in the Tonto National Forest, where the Salt River wild horses have resided for many years. With your support, we can purchase fencing materials to keep horses off the roads, fund our education campaigns, help us fund humane management and pay for the rescue of suffering wild horses when needed.

P.O. Box 64264

Phoenix, AZ 85082 call: (480) 868-9301 visit: saltriverwildhorsemanagementgroup.org

Two Pups Wellness Fund

Two Pups Wellness Fund was launched in 2017 with a mission to help save the lives of ill, injured, abandoned and neglected animals through animal shelters and rescue organizations. Our vision is to stop the unnecessary suffering and euthanasia of treatable animals by helping to alleviate the financial burden on the rescue community and allow pets to receive the care they need to return to a healthy, pain-free life. To date, Two Pups has proudly helped more than 10,000 animals. Through its dedication to funding medical care and microchips, we are saving lives.

4130 N. Marshall Way

Scottsdale, AZ 85251 call: (480) 490-7136 visit: twopups.org

LET’S ROLL!

The Phoenix Herpetological Sanctuary — the largest reptile sanctuary in the U.S. — was founded in 2001 by three enthusiasts who wanted to make a difference for reptiles in Arizona. Today, the nonprofit is a fully operational rescue and rehabilitation center with an onsite reptile clinic and research center in northern Scottsdale.

Scooter is one of the more unique animals at the sanctuary. He is missing his back left leg. Though the sanctuary has other animals with amputations, he is the only one with a wheel mounted on his shell. At first, staff worried that it wouldn’t work in the sand, but the wheel has held up well, and they look forward to having Scooter for many years to come.

To learn more, go to phoenixherp.com